island
of cres

destinations on island of cres

Town of Cres

Cres is basically a city on the bay, it's town docks come directly into the middle of the city and are filled with boats. The best way to experience the town is to take a walk through numerous narrow streets, discover ornaments on medieval buildings, see the reflection of the facades between wooden boats, pass along the waterfront bathed in the sun and decorated with café bars with terraces. There is a car park at the entrance to the city, along with multiple restaurants and a gas station. Upon entering the city through one of the gates there are narrow paths you must walk through, of houses and small stores. When entering the center there is a huge center, with people selling different home made goods, olive oil and wine.
Cres is home to a blue flag status marina, that is on the outskirts of the city. This is separate from the concrete centre docks seen inside the actual city.
The most important cultural and historical monuments in Town of Cres are:
- Three town gates, Bragadina, Marcela and the gate of St Mikulo from the 16^th century
- The church of St Isidor from the 12^th century
- A number of Gothic churches. Church of Our Lady of Snow dating from the 16^th century with a tower bell from the 18^th century
- Municipal Loggia with a pillory
- A Franciscan monastery from approximately 1300 with the Church of St Francis from the 14^th century and a tower bell from the 18^th century
- A benedictine monastery from the 15^th century
- The palace of the family Patris from the 15^th century which houses a musem

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Beli

Beli is situated on a 130m high hill above the eastern coast of the northern part of the island, on the site of a prehistoric hill-fort. Today it is a typical, closely- built, seaside village, rich in cultural and historical monuments, remains of the Roman period and the fortifications of the Middle-Ages, the Roman-Gothic style churches, old balconies, house facades and decor, and the Glagolic inscriptions on the tombstones. Especially impressive is the cemented area situated on a slope, similar in appearance to an amphitheatre, and surrounded by seats made of stone. Today Beli, with its beautiful pebbly beach and well-protected harbour, has grown into a tourist resort, whose economy is based on family and camping tourism. Due to the fact that beautiful forests of Tramontane are in its neighbourhood, Beli becomes increasingly popular as a starting point of long walks in the countryside.

In Beli operates ECO CENTER "Caput Insulae", an organisation which undertakes programmes of the preservation of natural versatility, original values and the cultural and historical heritage of Cres. The center also carries out the programme of integral protection of griffon vulture.

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Valun

Valun is situated in the southern part of the Bay of Valun between two beautiful pebbly beaches. Valun is a small picturesque fishing village with a long history. It was founded as a port of the old village of Bucev, the remains of which were found in the vicinity of the Church of St. Mark, whose inhabitants established a new settlement when they got oriented to the sea. Today Valun is a picturesque seaside village, situated around a small harbour, whose economy is based on camping and family tourism. Valun is also famous for its gastronomic offerings: it truly is a seafood lover’s paradise. Here you can enjoy a superb local cuisine in an unforgettable ambient. Fresh local fish, lobster, scampi and islands famous barbequed lamb are on everyone’s menu.

Lubenice

Lubenice is situated on a mountain ridge at 382 m above sea level and it used to be antique Roman fortress and outpost. From Lubenice you can see a beautiful view of the entire Kvarner, islands and coast of Istra. Lubenice are a real jewel of Cres. Underneath Lubenice is a beautiful beach accessible by a pathway or a boat. Concerts of classical music are being held here during the warm summer evenings in an atmosphere of magical concentration, and there is a multi-medial art centre in the works.

osor

Osor has been one of the most important centers of the Cres and Losinj archipelgo, and a prominent transit ort of strategic significance, located on the channel that separates the two islands, thereby considerably shortening navigation from the Northern Adriatic ports to Dalmatia. With coming of larger ships that could not pass the narrow channel or dock in the shallow port Osor started to fade. Today the town is again being brought to life, thanks to a string of cultural events bearing the commom name "The Osor Musical Evenings" that take place in the Osor Cathedral.

Martinscica

Founded as a fishing village, Martinscica has long since opened up to organized tourism due to its natural predispositions, having a glorious bay and many enticing beaches that surround it. The uniquely beautiful beaches situated to the north of the settlement in unspoilt nature offer great opportunities for a high quality and active holiday. The villages of Miholascica, Stivan and Vidovici, which gravitate to Martinscica, are making their name increasingly recognizable in tourist trade.

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